Super-TIGER is a balloon-borne Cosmic Ray experiment that launched in Antarctica on December 9, 2012.

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Satellite Test: November 20, 2012

The main priority for Super-TIGER on Tuesday was a test where we communicated with the instrument via a satellite link. During flight, we will have Line-of-Sight (LOS) communications with the instrument for about the first 24 hours after launch. After that, we'll rely on NASA's Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System (TDRSS) for our communications, with the Iridium satellite system as a backup. Tuesday morning, Richard and Drew got everything ready for the test, and then waited for the TDRSS satellite we had time reserved on to get into view.

Once the link was established, Richard got to work commanding the instrument. We were able to turn everything on and verify that the data coming down looked good. Otherwise, we continued on as we've been doing, with work on analysis software and PMT calibration going on and on. The foam insulation is done, but will probably come off on Wednesday so we can get in there and double-check some cables.

Otherwise, there isn't too much new and exciting here. Things are plugging along, and we're on schedule, so there isn't too much drama. We've been riding Deltas in to work and the Kress vehicle back this week, since Ivan the Terra Bus is still in for repairs. That's about all that's changed recently.